Bitterbrush Fire almost contained

A lightning-caused fire burning southwest of Maybell is expected to be fully contained early this afternoon.

Bureau of Land Management spokeswoman Lynn Barclay said the Bitterbrush Fire, which has burned about 600 acres, should be contained by noon. Firefighters resumed their work this morning, and an additional squad of firefighters is helping to reinforce the line and mop up.

The area near the fire experienced a brief power outage when a breaker was tripped by heat and smoke from the fire. No injuries or structure loss have been attributed to the blaze. The Bitterbrush Fire is one mile southwest of Maybell in Moffat County. It has burned sagebrush, bitterbrush and grass on BLM and state-managed lands.

Also, the Slater Creek Fire is contained, Barclay said Wednesday. The Slater Creek Fire burned 35 acres of private land about four miles south of the Colorado/Wyoming border. A Moffat County Sheriff's Department engine will continue mopping up and reinforcing the fire line.

However, officials warn that continued dry conditions and the possibility of isolated afternoon thunderstorms pose a threat of additional wildfires.